FIBA Europe Praises F4 Hosts

EuroChallenge Final Four gala dinner at Bologna’s Oratorio di San Filippo Neri

The traditional EuroChallenge Final Four gala dinner took place at Bologna's impressive venue of Oratorio di San Filippo Neri, Saturday night.

In attendance were the owner of the local club and tournament hosts Grissin Bon Reggio EmiliaStefano Landi, his club representatives, FIBA Europe Acting President Cyriel Coomans and Secretary General Kamil Novak, representatives of the participating clubs, presidents of national federations and other dignitaries of European basketball.

This is the second time in five years that the event returns to the famous Italian city albeit the hosts this time are not one of the two traditional Bologna clubs but the neighbouring Reggio Emilia.

The owner of the club, Stefano Landi could not hide his excitement for playing hosts to the event when he briefly addressed the audience at Oratorio di San Filippo Neri.

"We would like to thank FIBA Europe as well as the City of Bologna for giving us the opportunity to organise such an important event in such a great city," said Landi.

"We are especially pleased as this takes place on the club's 40th anniversary."

FIBA Europe Secretary General Kamil Novak added: "We are all very pleaseed to be here in Bologna. When we awarded the Final Four to the club of Reggio Emilia they were of course pleased but they said they were not certain that they'd be able to deliver a perfect event as they lacked the necessary experience.

"But I can tell you that they've proved all of us - and themselves - wrong; they have done a fantastic job so far and I am sure the final day will be one of the same."